Andrew Wiggins and the Cavaliers To Reach Agreement Within The Week

Andrew Wiggins and the Cleveland Cavaliers are said to be close to a contract agreement. Wiggins was the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He’s also the most important trading piece the Cavs have if they plan on receiving Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Sources say his contract would pay him somewhere around $5.5 million in the upcoming season. However, the remaining question is which team will be paying him?

After LeBron James’ announcement to return to Cleveland, Kevin Love immediately became the next priority for the Cavaliers. However, if the Cavs want Love in Cleveland, Wiggins will have to go to the Timberwolves. Cleveland would also give Minnesota Anthony Bennett, the first overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

The Cavs face one last obstacle in getting Love. The rules state that because Wiggins is signing his rookie contract, he cannot be traded until 30 days have passed. This will either help or hurt the Cavs’ chances of getting Love.

Cleveland can take full advantage of the 30 days to negotiate with Wolves. First, they can finalize the terms that would bring Love to Cleveland. Further, with the permission of the Timberwolves, the Cavs can discuss an extension with Love. He is set to become a free agent come next summer, but Cleveland will want to lock up Love for the coming future.

On the other hand, another team is interested in putting Love on their roster next season. The Golden State Warriors expressed their interest in trading for the power forward. However, the Warriors are unwilling to include shooting guard Klay Thompson in a trade. This will certainly not help Golden State’s cause. Yet, who knows what other offers the Warriors could make the Timberwolves in the next 30 days.

Plus, it is in Minnesota’s best interest to trade Love away. He will leave the team next summer when he becomes a free agent. If the Warriors can sweeten the pot enough, Minnesota may jump on the offer. With that in mind, Minnesota also knows they can have Andrew Wiggins and work with the Cavs before any other team.

If parting ways with Love gives the Timberwolves Wiggins, they will surely be happy. In the summer league, Wiggins averaged 15.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. His defense and athleticism were outstanding throughout. However, his offense needed some work, especially his jump shot. Nothing the rookie cannot fix in the future.

Wiggins will have at least 30 days in Cleveland once he signs. Unfortunately, he will have to decide just how comfortable he wants to become in Cleveland before learning whether or not he is staying.